Day 193: The Bugs Were Not the Whole Story

Ants and mosquitos. Everywhere.

The ants I knew about because they were going for the water at the bottom of the containers of my orchids.

The mosquitos were a surprise because this morning was the first time I was going to do my morning practice outside.

It was cooler this morning, 80, and now the yard is fenced so the dogs can fully investigate their new home.

As I sat my things down on the day bed, I noticed that the ants had taken that over too. So, I brushed off the day bed, asking the ants to find a new home.

I had no more than sat down when I was swarmed by mosquitos, so I grabbed a fan and extension cord and turned it on to create enough wind to deter them. It didn't work.

After 30 minutes of doing what I could to enjoy my first morning outside, I came back in to my usual spot to write to you.

Even though it didn't turn out as expected, I was still smiling the entire time.

The vision of me spending most of my time outside in the living/dining/office areas I'm creating will probably have to wait until fall when it gets cooler.

But the more I get done out there, the more I enjoy seeing it from inside with the A/C on.

At one point I thought, if I were an influencer, this would make a beautiful moment to post. Sitting there, looking at the ocean from my day bed.

I wonder how many of them also have the reality of bugs everywhere, just like I did.

The thing is, we can focus on the ants and mosquitos, or we can focus on the beautiful morning, being outside at daybreak with the gentle light as the sun comes up out of the ocean.

It's always a choice.

I still don't have gates. Yesterday he brought more wire fencing and just used it to close the spaces where the gates go.

I'm not sure how we had this miscommunication, but Monday he will bring wood frames with actual hinges and a closing mechanism.

I just shook my head at that one, and thought I really need to get back to Duo Lingo.

Another chance to choose whether I was going to be irritated or amused.

From what I see here, this is a community of people who go with the flow, and see life as the glass half full, no matter what shows up.

You know me, always studying people and their way of seeing things.

I love that we have the ability to change our perspective at any moment and shift what's going on in our lives.

Not by pretending the bugs aren't there.

Not by pretending the gates are finished when they aren't.

Not by forcing a positive thought over real frustration.

Just by deciding what gets the most attention.

Emotionally, this morning has been a contented warm fuzzy feeling, with an open heart and smile.

I'm choosing to maintain this emotional set point as I tackle the last of my containers later today.

Today's Gentle Practice

Notice one thing today that could easily become the whole story if you let it.

Ask yourself:

What else is true right now?

Not to deny the irritation or pretend it isn't there.

Just to give your attention a wider place to land.

Sometimes the bugs are real.

And so is the beautiful morning.

With you,

Lynn

PS: I posted my first Substack article yesterday. You can read it here.